From Village Court to MVP: The Rise of Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa

Everyone has their humble beginnings, often without realizing they might lead to something great. Ateneo Blue Eagles’ own Kacey Dela Rosa was no different. Before leading the MVP race in the women’s division, the 20-year-old athlete simply played basketball at her village court.

Kacey’s love for basketball was sparked by curiosity when she saw other kids playing in front of her house, prompting her to join them.

“Yung bahay namin parang tapat siya ng court, tapos siyempre, parang naiinggit ako sa mga naglalaro doon. Ayun, nung tinry ko, mga lalaki kasi yung kalaban ko doon, so parang fun naman. Tapos may nakakita sakin na parang from public school na coach then pinatry out ako sa Chiang Kai Shek,” she shared with ALL-STAR.

Curiosity didn’t kill the cat here. At age 9, Kacey discovered a love for a newly learned sport. Although she had initially tried volleyball, basketball captured her heart. She continued to work hard, eventually reaching where she is today.

“Nag-volleyball muna ako, then after that nagustuhan ko yung basketball. Siguro yung aspect na nagustuhan ko is fun siya laruin and yung [shooting], and siguro yung physicality din ng game.”

Offers from various schools came Kacey’s way, but it was Ateneo she wanted most, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Kiefer Ravena and Alyssa Valdez. This made her want to play for the Blue and White.

“Ang dream school ko talaga is Ateneo. Marami akong kilalang players before na nakikita ko na naglalaro sa UAAP like sila Kuya Kiefer, sila Alyssa Valdez, so parang na-inspire din ako na mag-go din sa Ateneo.”

Kacey also spoke about the support she receives from the Ateneo community, which fuels her drive to give her best in every game. She admits that the journey is tough, but it’s something she wouldn’t trade.

“Siguro yung support din ng Ateneo community and mahirap siya, pero [ito] yung hirap na gusto mo.”

Kacey faced a knee injury last year, marking one of the toughest challenges in her basketball journey. After being away from the court for three months, she made a comeback, proving she was meant for this moment.